For nearly twenty years, the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) has been inspiring young people to discover their full potential through creativity and performance. Such a legacy has been made possible, but the leadership of talented and passionate musicians and educators, and our current faculty are no exception!
This year, the GSO welcomed Dr. Julia Bullard to the GYSO faculty. Dr. Bullard brings a wealth of experience, from her background as a performer and educator, to her role in directing the Camerata Ensemble, a group that introduces young musicians to their first orchestral experience. We sat down with Dr. Bullard to learn more about her journey in music and her philosophy on teaching.
I love seeing people learn. I love that lightbulb moment, when a student discovers something new and does something they didn’t think they could do.
A Musical Journey Rooted in Family
Dr. Bullard’s journey into music began long before she picked up her first violin. “I grew up in a family of musicians,” she recalls. Her mother was a piano teacher, church organist, and choir director, while her father played in a military band during his time in the army. With music all around her, it was no surprise that Dr. Bullard began playing the violin and later the viola in elementary school. However, “it wasn’t until I was almost finished with high school that I decided I wanted to study music in college,” Dr. Bullard explains.
Her passion for teaching took root during her time at Temple University, where she studied and taught in the Community Music School and Preparatory Program. She continued her education with a master’s degree in String Pedagogy and later earned her doctorate in performance from the University of Georgia. Over the years, she has taught at prestigious institutions like the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, one of the largest private community music programs in the country, and has led string programs at the University of Northern Iowa.
A Passion for Teaching
For Dr. Bullard, the most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing her students’ growth. “I love seeing people learn. I love that lightbulb moment, when a student discovers something new and does something they didn’t think they could do. It’s very rewarding to have a role in that.”
She believes in nurturing a student’s potential, helping them not only master technical skills but also gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. The journey of learning an instrument, Dr. Bullard notes, is both personal and communal: “It’s a process, and no matter where you are, the process is the same: learning to see your part as part of the bigger picture, being detail oriented, playing with expression, breaking everything down into basic steps and putting them together.”
Seeing the Bigger Picture at GYSO
This philosophy comes to life in Dr. Bullard’s work with the Camerata Ensemble at GYSO, where she has the opportunity to guide young musicians in their first orchestral experiences. “For most of the kids in that group, it’s their first time playing in a full orchestra setting. It’s very new for all of them, they have to become more independent, and they suddenly hear all these other sounds that haven’t been part of their experience until now.”
The Camerata Ensemble focuses on more than just playing notes and rhythms. Through sectional rehearsals and full group practice, students learn the importance of breathing and moving together as a unit, building both technical and interpersonal skills. Dr. Bullard emphasizes the importance of foundational techniques: “We teach them first to play something very simple with a beautiful tone, a beautiful hold. Usually it’s the basic things that get in our way.”
The Power of Music to Connect Us
Dr. Bullard’s experience spans a variety of settings, and she’s seen firsthand the wide range of experiences that music can offer. “I want people to know that music is for everyone. It’s a way that we can express ourselves, a way we can communicate with each other. In the world we’re living in right now, we need that more than ever.”
She believes that music transcends barriers—whether it’s socioeconomic status, background, or appearance—and offers a universal language of human expression. “It doesn’t matter what resources you have, where you’re from, what you look like, music and art are some of the most basic forms of human expression we have. Having something that brings beauty to the world has a huge impact.”
The GYSO Community: Where Every Student Has a Place
At GYSO, Dr. Bullard is excited to be part of a team of talented educators and musicians who are dedicated to the growth of young artists. “There are some really wonderful teachers involved in the program, wonderful teachers from the community, private and public-school teachers and university teachers. It’s a nice coming together of a lot of people who are very invested in music education.”
As Dr. Bullard continues to work with GYSO’s young musicians, she remains committed to helping them discover the joy of music, develop their skills, and ultimately, grow as individuals. “Every student can find a way to be successful. It’s not about becoming professional musicians; it’s about being beautiful humans.”
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Bullard continues in her role at GYSO, she looks forward to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of musicians. “It’s so much more than learning just notes and rhythms,” she says. “If we set our students up well, they gain skills that they carry with them through life.”
We’re incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Julia Bullard as a part of the GYSO family, and we can’t wait to see how her work with the Camerata Ensemble and beyond continues to shape the future of our young musicians.
